When I got pregnant with my first baby girl, I had no idea what to expect. I went from being an independent, successful woman to suddenly being someone’s wife and mother-to-be. Looking back, I think I did everything but wear a wedding dress!
While there are many changes that come with being a parent, there are just as many ways we can use to celebrate the occasion. One of the most unique ways I had imagined welcoming my baby into the world was with a big party. So when she was born, I treated my friends and family to a celebratory baby shower.
A big baby shower is a traditional affair. The mother-to-be dresses the baby in a beautiful gown and gives the child gifts to open. In our case, I didn’t have a traditional woman’s outfit to choose from, so I had to think outside of the box. Luckily, my husband and his family are skincare specialists, and they made my dream of a princess-like entrance a reality. They helped me to develop a customized skincare routine that made me feel like a real-life Princess Elsa from Frozen. It wasn’t just about the dresses either; they helped me choose gifts that helped to shape my newborn’s skin and gave me advice on how to wash her skin properly. So, in this article, I’d like to tell you about how I made my baby shower extra special and how you can host your own Way Big Baby Shower.
The Goods
When it comes to my baby’s skin care, I am fairly particular. I use high-quality products, and I know they contribute to her healthy, beautiful complexion. So when my husband and family helped to choose gifts and advised me on what products to use, I was over the moon. Needless to say, I was also a little overwhelmed by the generosity of it all!
I tried to find a mixture of products that would be suitable for an infant and a young child, but also something that would keep my adults happy too. Luckily, my husband is a genius when it comes to picking out presents, and he managed to find a range of products to suit everyone. She was over the moon when she opened all of the gifts and saw all the new toys and clothes. It was a celebration of her first birthday!
So what kinds of products did I use? Well, let’s start with the basics – I needed decent pads and nappies, so I popped into my local baby store and grabbed a few. My favorite brand, for body wash, is Hippie Mie, which is environmentally friendly and contains hemp and coconut oil. I prefer this to traditional babywipe options, which are often made of recycled plastic.
Next, I needed some good-quality skincare products to start my daughter off on the right foot. I have sensitive skin, and I knew a few bad habits – like overexposure to the sun – could aggravate it. So it was important to find products that would nourish my skin while avoiding any dangerous allergens. When it comes to my baby’s skin, I avoid products with sulfates, parabens, and alcohol, and I always use a sunscreen. One of my favorite products at the moment is Organic Mate Booty Wax – it has a unique, citrusy scent that I just can’t get enough of. It’s ideal for keeping their bottoms and other parts of their bodies warm on those cool Autumn mornings, as it melts at around 40 degrees Fahrenheit. So, if you’re looking for a quick fix for those chilly mornings, try out this product. It’s dermatologist tested and recommended, and I love that it comes in a convenient dropper shape, which makes it easy to apply.
The Cake
To celebrate my daughter’s first birthday, I decided to make her a special cake. I wanted to get as much info as I could about what she liked, so I could ensure I made something that would be delicious and that she’d enjoy. I first asked her mother, who had already had a few glasses of wine, if she could tell me what her daughter liked. She replied, “Everything!” I then asked my husband and father-in-law if they had any suggestions, and they recommended something vanilla and chocolate. So, to create a luxurious experience for my daughter, I decided to blend both of these flavors and add some raspberry pieces to make it a little more exciting. The cake turned out great – she loved the different textures, and it was a huge hit with the adults too!
The Entertainment
One of the best things about my baby shower was the presents! Not only did they all help to shape my daughter’s skin, but they also surprised me with items I’d never even thought of. One of the most unique presents was this soft, merino wool beanie from New Zealand. It was the most adorable thing, and my daughter is going to love it!
Another product that I’d love to try out is this organic cotton nappy-to-be-wrapping paper. Not only is it eco-friendly, but the colors are vibrant and happy, so it makes me happy to see her in such bright, happy colors! Another great gift was this personalized, signed children’s book. It’s a perfect present for a young reader, and it will forever be a memento of their dear, little friend. I love getting gifts that I know she’ll enjoy and cherish.
The Party
Another stunning present was this pure gold stud earrings set. They are from England, where I grew up, and they are the perfect match for my daughter’s birthstone, which is ruby. She will love them!
While the shower wasn’t just about the gifts, there was one particular moment that will be stuck in my head for the rest of my life. When my daughter was a few months old, she had a bad habit of waking up every night around midnight and needing to be fed. The sleep deprivation was taking its toll, and I was struggling to cope. One night, I decided to take her out in her pram to feed her, as her mother and I knew she would sleep more easily when held near her mouth. Suddenly, a noise from outside made me look up at the window – the sprinklers were on, and there were giant water droplets falling from the sky, landing on the roof and making a huge puddle. When I saw that, my heart melted, and I burst into laughter. For a moment, I was somewhere else, in a faraway place, outside in the pouring rain, holding my baby girl as she slept. In that moment, I felt so connected to her, safe and secure. I looked down at her beautiful face, and I thought to myself, “This is the best present._ “
As you can see, there are many different ways to celebrate a baby’s, or any other type of child’s, first birthday! Whether you go for a picnic, bake a cake, or put on a show for your friends and family, these are just a few of the things you can do. My daughter will cherish these special moments forever, and I can’t wait to do it all over again with my next baby!